Thoughts, news and sermons from our Clergy and Missions

Once more Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying: ‘The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding banquet for his son. He sent his slaves to call those who had been invited to the wedding banquet, but they would not come. Again he sent other slaves, saying, “Tell those who have been invited: Look, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready; come to the wedding banquet.” But they made light of it and went away, one to his farm, another to his business, while the rest seized his slaves, maltreated them, and killed them. The king was enraged. He sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city.

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Last Sunday we completed the first of three parish wide consultation workshops for our Mission Action Plan. There have been many positive responses to the process and I am looking forward to seeing what comes of our discussions. The next step is for the leadership team to meet and analyse the written feedback given throughout the sessions.

GOSPEL: LUKE 12:22-34
Do Not Worry
He said to his disciples, ‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds!

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Today we break from the usual lectionary readings to focus on St Francis. You may be wondering why we are holding a ‘Blessing of the Pets’ service today in St Francis’ name. Francis was well known for having an affinity with nature and animals. He saw God in all living things and creation. I think we need to stop and reflect on God’s creation every now and then.

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Last Sunday we had another good response from the parish in terms of attendance at our Mission Action Planning (MAP) workshop. It was heartening to see a good representation from all three congregations. I would especially like to thank those who travelled and returned to St George’s hall to attend the session on Sunday. This is an exciting sign that we will be able to deliver a strategic plan that will be the result of the work of the whole parish.

GOSPEL: MATTHEW 21.23-32
When he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and said, ‘By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?’ Jesus said to them, ‘I will also ask you one question; if you tell me the answer, then I will also tell you by what authority I do these things. Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?’ And they argued with one another, ‘If we say, “From heaven”, he will say to us, “Why then did you not believe him?”

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
As I write this edition of musings I am preparing to attend our diocesan synod. For those who are unfamiliar with the way our denomination works it can be explained quite simply. It is the carrying out of the process that can be challenging.

‘For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire labourers for his vineyard. After agreeing with the labourers for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. When he went out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in the market-place; and he said to them, “You also go into the vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.” So they went. When he went out again about noon and about three o’clock, he did the same. And about five o’clock he went out and found others standing around; and he said to them, “Why are you standing here idle all day?” They said to him, “Because no one has hired us.” He said to them, “You also go into the vineyard.”

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
This week has seen a couple of mental health initiatives present themselves. On Thursday it was ‘R U OK?’ day. This is a day when we contact someone and ask if they are going ok. It is an opportunity to bring to light the fact that there are many in our society that are struggling with mental health issues.

Then Peter came and said to him, ‘Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times. ‘For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. When he began the reckoning, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him; and, as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions, and payment to be made.